Sources of Family Violence

This paper suggests a direction for the exploration of the causes of family violence. Explanatory models offamily violence were considered in this regard, with the recommendation that a multi-determined model should be considered to ensure the most accurate explanation. We suggest that family violence will be best understood and prevented or alleviated, if a model is used that considers the interaction of structural violence and the personality features of all the family members.     

Reasons why adolescents and young adults have sex: associations with psychological characteristics and sexual behavior

This study examined associations of psychological characteristics and sexual behavior with types of reasons for episodes of sexual intercourse among youth. After completing a baseline assessment, 62 adolescents (47 female) used a handheld computer to report when they had sex as soon as possible after the event as well as in response to random signals. Youth indicated for each sex event the main reason, categorized as intimacy/desire, external, affect management, and other; analyses were restricted to sex with a main partner (234 events). Baseline sexual behavior was not related to reasons for sex. Higher anxiety was associated with external reasons for sex; younger age and lower self-esteem were associated with affect management reasons. Female youth with higher impulsiveness reported more external reasons and fewer intimacy/desire reasons. Among male youth, lower self-esteem was associated with intimacy/desire reasons, but lower depression was associated with affect management reasons. These findings may aid health care providers and researchers in understanding the differences in young people's motivations for sex.     

The Experience of Nurses Working with Hospitalized AIDS Patients

Twenty nurses were interviewed about their experiences of caring exclusively for AIDS patients. A qualitative analysis of the data revealed that group identity, social support, social stigma, identification with patients, and burnout were important to the experience. The process of identification with patients was a significant source of distress which affected the male homosexual staff more than other staff. Yet working in the AIDS unit also had its rewards with some male homosexual staff expressing relief at not having to conceal their sexuality. Nurses' experiences in the AIDS unit were somewhat differentiated by their ability to identify with the male homosexual group. Those who identified strongly with the group were more at risk of over-identification with patients yet seemed likely to receive recognition and support from colleagues. Many staff suffered due to the stigma attached to caring for AIDS patients and often reported not telling people where they worked. A significant number of staff are said to have already left the unit due to AIDS burnout.